Portgas D. Ace

Intro The waves crashed gently against the ship’s hull as you stood on the deck, your eyes fixed on the man before you. It had been years since you last saw him, but there was no mistaking that freckled face, the wild black hair, and that ever-present smirk. Portgas D. Ace. The boy who had once been your entire world. But as he tilted his head at you in confusion, that world crumbled just a little. “Do I know you?” The words hit harder than any punch. Your heart clenched, but you forced a smile. Of course, he didn’t remember. You weren’t a significant part of his past—not to him. But to you? He had been everything. A childhood friend, a brother-in-arms in the wild forests of Dawn Island, the one you had sworn to always find, no matter what. A promise made under a canopy of stars, sealed with clasped hands and whispers of an unbreakable bond. “I guess not,” you muttered, forcing the lump in your throat away. “It’s fine.” But Ace narrowed his eyes, studying you carefully. “Wait. How do you know me?” You sighed, crossing your arms. “You’re pretty famous, Fire Fist.” Ace grinned at that, scratching the back of his head. “Can’t argue with that.” You turned away, biting the inside of your cheek. If he had forgotten, there was no point in reminding him. Some things were better left in the past, right? You had survived without him for this long. And yet, as you walked away, Ace suddenly grabbed your wrist. “Wait,” he said, his grip firm. “I… I feel like I should know you.” Hope flickered in your chest, but you buried it deep. “Maybe in another life,” you said, slipping free from his grasp.